INTRODUCTION
Plymouth Argyle Football Club fully supports the principle of equal opportunities and oppose all forms of unlawful or unfair discrimination on the grounds of disability.
DEFINITION OF A DISABLED SUPPORTER
For the purposes of this policy the definition of a disabled supporter is: "any person who, because of their disability or impairment, is unable to use ordinary stand seating without contravening Health and Safety regulations, guidelines or policy. Any such person will be considered for use of the designated areas of the stadium in line with the procedures set out in this policy."
ELIGIBILITY
Plymouth Argyle Football Club reserves the right to request "proof of disability" before issuing any concession. Such proof shall include;
Receipt of the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (mobility or care component).
Receipt of either the Severe Disablement Allowance or Attendance Allowance.
NB: Receipt of an Orange/Blue badge will not be considered sufficient proof of disability.
Any persons wishing to register as a disabled supporter with Plymouth Argyle will need to complete an application form and provide sufficient proof as stated above. Application forms are available from the Disability Liaison Officer or the Box Office.
On receipt of the application form and supporting evidence you will be registered as a disabled supporter and will be entitled to a complimentary carers ticket.
DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT
As a fundamental principle, the DDA states that people with disabilities should not be treated "less favourably, without justification" and "reasonable adjustments should be made to make goods, facilities and services accessible." Plymouth Argyle Football Club aim to fully comply with both the spirit and provisions of the Act.
The club recognises that not all of its facilities are fully accessible to its supporters with disabilities and confirms that it is committed to making the necessary reasonable adjustments described by the DDA and its relevant Codes of Practice to ensure full compliance with the legislation.
WHEELCHAIR DEPENDENT SUPPORTERS
Stand for Supporters with Disabilities - there are currently nine spaces for wheelchairs located in this stand. These are all currently allocated to season-ticket holders for the 2010/11 season.
Devonport and Lyndhurst Stands - there are a maximum of 80 spaces for wheelchairs which can be used by home fans. All spaces are at pitch level. These spaces can be purchased by way of season-ticket or on a match-by-match basis. Tickets can be purchased from the Box Office on 0845 338 7232.
Barn Park Stand (Visiting Supporters) - there are a maximum of 28 spaces for wheelchairs available for visiting supporters. All spaces are at pitch level. All visiting supporters with wheelchairs are situated with their own supporters.
Wheelchair dependent supporters should also be accompanied by a person who is capable of supporting the disabled persons needs in the event of an emergency. For this reason, Plymouth Argyle strongly recommend that this person is sixteen years of age or over and not infirm.
AMBULANT DISABLED SUPPORTERS
Plymouth Argyle are aware that there are considerable numbers of people in the community who use wheelchairs, mainly for outdoors mobility purposes, but are not necessarily confined to their wheelchair. There are also many people suffering severe walking difficulties who may wish to watch a match. For the purpose of this policy both categories of people will be termed as 'ambulant disabled supporters'. Those supporters with ambulatory disabilities of a severe nature will be able to have access to seating nearest the entrances/exists.
VISUALLY IMPAIRED SUPPORTERS
The club has a dedicated audio described commentary service, called Soccer Sight, for its visually impaired supporters. This service is available to home and visiting supporters. The club have 10 headsets available and these can be pre-booked by contacting Barry Hardman on 01752-562561. Headsets can then be collected on a match-day from the main club reception or can be delivered to your seat when you arrive for the match. They should then be returned to the nearest steward after the match or to the main club reception. The headsets are able to access the commentary from every part of the ground and the commentary will commence approx 15 minutes before kick off. There is no charge for this service.
The club strongly recommends that a person who is fully able to support their needs in the event of an emergency should accompany each visually impaired supporter attending a match.
Assistance Dogs are allowed into the stadium but the club recommend that any supporter wishing to bring an assistance dog contact Barry Hardman at least seven days before the match. Due reference will be given to all aspects of safety and guidance from Guide Dogs for the Blind to ensure safety in the ground. Measures will also be taken to ensure that the welfare of the Assistance Dog is preserved.
TICKETING
All ticketing issues are dealt with by the Box Office. A complimentary ticket is provided for a carer. Please contact the Box Office for more information on 0845 338 7232.
CAR PARKING FACILITIES
The club has 25 spaces in the Higher Home Park car park which are allocated to those home supporters with the most severe mobility difficulties. These spaces have now been allocated for the 2010/11 season.
However, there is additional parking available in the Outland Road car park, which is situated directly in front of the stadium. These spaces are available to both home and visiting supporters. There are approx 30 spaces which are available on a first come, first served basis. Any visiting supporters wishing to arrange a space in this area are asked to contact Barry Hardman to reserve your space in advance.
TOILET FACILITIES
There are specially adapted toilets located in the Devonport, Lyndhurst and Barn Park stands. Each of these toilets is alarmed. There are also temporary disabled persons toilets located next to the Disabled Stand and one located behind the main Grandstand.
STEWARDING
All stewards are trained to NVQ Level 2 in Spectator Safety. All steward supervisors are currently undertaking assessments for the Level 3 award. Although stewards are regularly rotated by the stewarding company, the club has asked that the same stewards be assigned to the Disabled Stand on a match-day. This helps with familiarity between the stewards and the disabled supporters in this area. Stewards in other areas are 'disability aware' and are able to deal with any queries that may arise on a match-day.
CATERING FACILITIES
Match-day catering is provided in the concourses. Due to the number of people using the concourses pre-match and at half time, the club stewards will also offer assistance in getting refreshments.
Other facilities that come under the general heading of catering such as our Argyle Business Lounge, executive boxes and Pyramid Suite are accessible to our disabled supporters.
ACCESS TO OTHER FACILITIES
Home Park has many other facilities that are available on match-days and non-match-days that are not directly linked with watching the match i.e. Superstore, hospitality lounges/suites, Pyramid Suite.
The club has carried out an informal DDA audit of these facilities and, whilst most are currently accessible, improvements are planned.
ACCESSIBLE MEDIA
If any visually impaired supporters require alternative formats of Club publications, please contact Barry Hardman.
Plymouth Argyle Football Club openly welcomes any comments on this policy and would encourage any person to contact the Disability Liaison Officer with their comments or queries.
